In a phase of privileged dialogue with the IOC, Switzerland has taken another step on the road to hosting the 2038 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. On Monday, the Federal Council confirmed its support for the organization of the event. The Games offer " great opportunities " Federal Councillor Martin Pfister emphasized this point. With Switzerland 2038, we are designing something new. Switzerland has a unique opportunity to show that it is capable of organizing one of the world's biggest sporting events. »
200 million francs to support the project
The Federal Council will contribute 200 million francs. This sum will be used to finance the Paralympic Games (60 million) and other expenses (80 million), reduce the price of public transport for spectators (50 million), and cover unforeseen costs (10 million). Thanks to this decision by the Federal Council, Switzerland 2038 now also benefits from the clear and significant support of the federal government. This demonstrates the project's compelling impact on sport, politics, and society, and how Switzerland 2038 unites everyone around a shared vision that sustainably strengthens Swiss sport and inspires future generations. " said Ruth Metzler-Arnold, president of Swiss Olympic.
Important clarification: The Confederation will not assume any responsibility in the event of a deficit. "Given the relatively modest contribution for an event of this magnitude, no referendum is planned at the federal level." The risks identified by the concept of organization and financing appear to be manageable. " the Council added.
Several political parties have expressed the desire for a referendum to take place nonetheless. Given that several cantons have already voted against hosting the Olympic Games, it seems essential that a supra-cantonal event, involving the whole of Switzerland, be decided by a national vote. The legitimacy and transparency of such a project depend on it., Lisa Mazzone believes, president of the Green Party. Switzerland does not have a financial referendum, but it is possible to amend the legislation to open the door to an optional referendum. "In the spring, a study had highlighted clear support from the Swiss population to the application, of the order of 61%.
